Bail denied for Innisfail man

Bail has been denied for an Innisfail man accused of beating, sexually assaulting and kidnapping a woman after their relationship broke down.

The 56-year-old man, whose name is withheld to protect the identity of his alleged victim, was arrested on March 28, 2012, at the CrossIron Mills shopping centre in Balzac.

Police were called to the scene by a mall security guard who received a note from a woman asking for help.

RCMP allege that the suspect struck the woman in front of officers who attended the scene and then put up a fight when they placed him under arrest.

Charges against him include housebreaking with intent to commit a crime, assault causing bodily harm, sexual assault, choking with intent, unlawful confinement, kidnapping, uttering death threats, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, resisting a peace officer, assaulting a peace officer and breaching conditions of a recognizance.

The accused, who has made at least 18 court appearances to date, is scheduled to enter a plea in Airdrie provincial court on Thursday.